Strike Action: A Double-Edged Sword That Needs to be Examined

I still remember the day I first heard the word ‘strike’ in primary school.
Two classmates were talking about  it, I remained quiet ; didn’t even know what the word means – one happily  anticipating a holiday, while the other worried about the cancellation of a test by our teacher.

Little did I know that this simple word (strike) would one day as today’s era represent a complex, two-edged sword affecting many people’s lives.

In the context of work and organizations, a strike is defined as a collective refusal by employees to work under conditions required by employers.

But what drives individuals and organizations to take this drastic measure?

Strikes arise basically in response to economic conditions or labor practices. Employees seek improved wages, benefits, and work conditions. Recently, Ghana has witnessed a surge in strikes, with organizations like;

– National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE)
– Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana
– Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU)
– Ghana Association of University Administration (GAUA)
– College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG)
– Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG), who recently went on strike

However, below the surface of demands for better working conditions lies a ripple effects of these actions extend beyond negotiation table.

Now come to think of this!
But what happens to the people these organizations serve when they go on strike?

Imagine the distress faced by bereaved families waiting for service from mortuary workers or a patient in ICU only to find out that the Intensivist is on strike. How would that person feel?

Here are the consequences of strike actions;

A. The Effect on People They Serve:

Disrupted essential services: Strikes halt critical services, affecting  vulnerable individuals.
Delayed or cancelled medical procedures:

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Patients face delayed or cancelled treatments.
Inconvenience and distress: Strikes cause emotional and financial hardship.

B. The Effect on the Community:

Economic losses: Strikes impact local businesses and economies.
Social unrest: Strikes can lead to protests and social tensions.
Reduced productivity: Strikes disrupt workflow, reducing overall productivity.

C. The Effect on Students:

a. Academic Life:

Cancelled classes and lectures: Strikes distract learning in and outside the lecture rooms. Only few students study  during strike.
Limited access to resources: Students lack access to important educational materials such as slides, books from the library, etc during strike which make it difficult to read more.

b. Exam Preparation:

Insufficient preparation: Strikes hinder exam preparation especially when strike is called-off and exam is in few days ahead.
-Exam failure: Insufficient preparation leads to exam failure.
Resit and supplementary exams: Students face additional exam burdens due to inadequate preparation.

While strikes strengthens organizations to fight for better conditions, at the same time they leave vulnerable individuals and communities in distress. It’s crucial for the government to take proactive actions to address concerns before strikes occur.

We urge policymakers  to engage with organizations and ensure fair working conditions, preventing the devastating consequences of strikes.

It is time to focus on finding solutions that benefit all – not just a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.

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